Neighbor states have issues, too

Minnesota appears to be ahead of the curve in facing serious problems with the funding of high school activities. Schools elsewhere in the Midwest are all dealing with issues such as the impact of high fuel costs on travel, but a survey of nearby states doesn't find the kind of financial turmoil that is affecting many schools in Minnesota.

• Activity fees are not an issue in some states, including South Dakota and Iowa, because state law does not permit them. Some schools in South Dakota, however, have been dropping or combining programs on the sub-varsity level, but that could be due to low participation numbers.

• Some schools have been playing more boys'/girls' varsity doubleheaders, especially in basketball, as a way to save on travel costs. Some schools in Missouri are scheduling tripleheaders -- with a boys' or girls' JV game held along with girls' and boys' varsity games.

• In Wisconsin, some varsity programs have been reduced in scope, but few programs have been eliminated. Participation fees are rising in many school districts, and financial support from booster clubs has increased. In addition, boys' and girls' games in some sports are played on the same night at the same site as a way to cut costs.

• Declining enrollment in some Iowa school districts is having an effect on co-curricular programs. Iowa officials are currently conducting a survey of schools, including questions on activity funding.

In all these states, the economy will play a role in how school activities are funded.

JOHN MILLEA